Stage 6, Year 12, Chemistry 2023
Assessment Task 1 Notification
Assessment task overview
Topic
Equilibrium and Acid Reactions
Nature of assessment task
Depth Study Research Poster & Quiz
Weighting
25%
Teacher
Samantha Hallal
Date notified
Wednesday 23rd November, 2022 (Term 4, Week 8)
Due date
Wednesday 8th February, 2023 (Term 1, Week 2)
Submission detail
1. Softcopy of the poster submitted in appropriate
Google Classroom Submission area as a pdf
file by 8am on Wednesday 8th February, 2023;
2. Hand in quiz at the end of the lesson on the
due date.
Syllabus outcomes assessed
CH11/12-1
CH11/12-3
CH11/12-4
CH11/12-5
CH11/12-7
CH12-12
A student develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific
investigation
A student conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and
secondary data and information
A student selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative
data and information using a range of appropriate media
A student analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and
information
A student communicates scientific understanding using suitable language
and terminology for a specific audience or purpose
A student explains the characteristics of equilibrium systems, and the
factors that affect these systems
Nature of the task
The understanding of chemical equilibrium systems has both positive and negative
impacts both within Australia and globally.
In Term 4, Week 10, you will attend an excursion to the University of Sydney, School of
Chemistry. On that excursion, you will explore a range of chemical reactions and conduct
experiments that will contribute to your understanding of industrial equilibrium systems
(Depth Study) and quiz preparation.
Part A – Depth study research poster (40 marks)
Your Depth Study research poster must be based on a chosen industrial chemical
equilibrium synthesis process. Within your poster, you are to develop and answer a
question relating to the factors that need to be considered when designing a chemical
synthesis process.
Your poster must contain no more than 1500 words with text size 12 in Arial font on one
side of an A0 page (841 x 1189mm). You can use Canva (or similar program) to construct
your poster. The poster should be supported by relevant diagrams, equations and
quantitative data (tables, graphs and infographics). In addition, you will provide a
reference list using the Harvard method with two sources analysed for accuracy, reliability
and validity. Your referencing must follow the Harvard format, as outlined on the University
of Melbourne website (https://library.unimelb.edu.au/recite/referencing-styles/harvard).
Your poster must include the following:
1. A research question focused on the factors affecting the yield, purity, waste or
reaction conditions of a process used to synthesise it. This question must be able
to be investigated scientifically considering the time and resources available.
2. Answer your inquiry question based on research (answer is limited to 500 words).
3. Background information about your chosen chemical synthesis process, including
the chemistry of the process and reagent availability.
4. Conditions of your chosen chemical synthesis process
a. Describe the proportion of reactants, temperature, pressure and catalysts.
b. Outline the stages of the process.
c. Provide an explanation of whether any products are removed from the
system.
d. Include an annotated flow diagram showing the industrial components of
the process.
5. Yield and rate
a. With reference to Le Chatelier’s principle, present an analysis of how the
conditions used allow the rate and yield of the reaction to be maximised.
b. Physical and chemical properties of the product.
6. Describe at least 4 uses of the product.
7. Evaluate the environmental, social and economic issues associated with your
chosen chemical synthesis process.
8. Use Harvard referencing for each source (aim for more than 5 sources), select at
least 2 listed sources (from your bibliography) of secondary data and justify your
use of the sources in terms of accuracy, reliability and validity. You must have a
reference list (as a separate document) and in-text referencing throughout the
body of your poster.
Part B - In-class quiz (10 marks)
You will be required to answer a series of application-based questions related to your
research, under exam-style conditions. You could also be tested on other Module 5
concepts relating to the concept of equilibrium. You will have 30 minutes to complete this
component.
Marking criteria
You will be marked on how well you:







develop and evaluate questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation
select and process appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information
using a range of appropriate media
analyse and evaluate primary and secondary data and information
explain the characteristics of equilibrium systems, and the factors that affect these
systems
communicate scientific understanding
use critical thinking skills and scientific processes to solve problems
use Harvard referencing to cite relevant sources and analyse two of these sources.
Detail on the feedback that will be provided
Feedback will be provided to you in the following ways:
 A checkpoint date will be designated by the classroom teacher, where you will be
offered general feedback on the task as you are developing or preparing for it.
 Opportunities for peer assessment will be offered prior to the due date.
 Formal teacher feedback will be provided once the task is handed back to you. It
will be informed by the marking criteria and guidelines.
Plagiarism and malpractice
 Assessment malpractice, including plagiarism, is unacceptable and may result in a
penalty including a ZERO award.
 Assessment malpractice, including plagiarism, may also result in the issue of an NAward Warning letter.
 Students found to be involved in malpractice will be recorded in the NESA Register of
Malpractice for HSC assessment tasks.
 Refer to the 2023 Year 12 Assessment Policy & Program for further information.
Illness, misadventure and special consideration
If you are absent on the day an assessment task is due to be submitted
 Call reception before 7:50 am and inform them that you are ill.
 Submit the work by 8:00 am to the teacher via email. Even if the task is due later in
the day, you must submit it by 8:00 am.
 If you cannot submit the task by 8:00 am, then you are to complete a Stage 6
Assessment Task Appeal Application form, and send it to
TheRegistrar@aosc.nsw.edu.au
 Have a medical practitioner complete the AOSC Medical Declaration Form, if you
are absent due to illness. Email the completed form to
TheRegistrar@aosc.nsw.edu.au
If you are absent on the day an assessment task is due to be sat or performed, such
as an examination, or an interview, etc. then you are to:
 Call reception before 7:50 am and inform them that you are ill.
 Complete a Stage 6 Assessment Task Appeal Application form, and send it to
TheRegistrar@aosc.nsw.edu.au
 Have a medical practitioner complete the AOSC Medical Declaration Form, if you
are absent due to illness. Email the completed form to
TheRegistrar@aosc.nsw.edu.au
Illness, misadventure and applications for special consideration
 If you experience illness or a misadventure on the day of a task, or in the
immediate lead up to the task, and believe that your performance in the task has
been adversely affected, then you can apply for special consideration.
 If you are ill, or have experienced misadventure, and if it is an examination-style
assessment, tell the assessment supervisor prior to commencing the task. It is
important to do this so that your issue can be recorded.
 Complete a Stage 6 Assessment Task Appeal Application form, and send it to
TheRegistrar@aosc.nsw.edu.au
 If you are ill, have a medical practitioner complete the AOSC Medical Declaration
Form, and email the completed form to TheRegistrar@aosc.nsw.edu.au
Note: Submitting a Stage 6 Assessment Task Appeal Application is no guarantee that
it will be approved.
For further information regarding illness, misadventure and special consideration,
including the processes involved, refer to the 2023 Year 12 Assessment Policy &
Program.
For access to assessment-related forms and documents, including the 2023 Year 12
Assessment Policy & Program, the Stage 6 Assessment Task Appeal Application
form, and the AOSC Medical Declaration Form, go to:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aye03AsjRdHbq-lt6RYK_0prXXgcql_i?usp=sharing
Marking guidelines – PART A Poster (/40)
Outcomes
CH11/12-1
develops and evaluates
questions and hypotheses for
scientific investigation
CH11/12-3
conducts investigations to
collect valid and reliable
primary and secondary data
and information
E



CH11/12-4
selects and processes
appropriate qualitative and
quantitative data and
information using a range of
appropriate media

CH11/12-5
analyses and evaluates
primary and secondary data
and information

D
requires extensive
teacher assistance to
develop question
(0-3 marks)

presents elementary
qualitative and
quantitative data
inept use of research
poster to communicate
information
(0-1 mark)

presents data with
ineffectual analysis
(0-3 marks)



C
develops a basic
question
plans and carries out
limited secondary data
research
(4 marks)

presents limited
qualitative and
quantitative data
with varying control,
uses research poster to
communicate findings
(2 marks)
 presents appropriate
presents data with
limited analysis
(4 marks)



develops a sound
question
plans and carries out
satisfactory secondary
data research and
refines investigation
question in response to
evidence, where
applicable
(5-6 marks)
qualitative and
quantitative data
structured use of
research poster (using
tables/graphs/
infographics)
(3 marks)
describes trends,
patterns and
relationships in data and
information
(5-6 marks)
B

A
develops a substantive
question
plans and carries out
thorough secondary data
research and refines
investigation question in
response to evidence,
where applicable in a
considered way
(7-8 marks)


presents a wide range of
appropriate qualitative
and quantitative data


well-developed use of
tables/graphs/
infographics
(4 marks)
presents highly
appropriate and
sophisticated qualitative
and quantitative data

sophisticated use of
tables/graphs/
infographics
(5 marks)

explains, analyses and
evaluates trends,
patterns and
relationships in data and
information
(9-10 marks)


explains and analyses
patterns and
relationships in data and
information
(7-8 marks)

develops a sophisticated
question
plans and carries out
significant secondary
data research and
refines investigation
question in response to
evidence, where
applicable in a highly
developed way
(9-10 marks)
Outcomes
E
D
CH11/12-7
communicates scientific
understanding using suitable
language and terminology
for a specific audience or
purpose

Presents the poster
using elementary
scientific language and
terminology
(0-1 mark)
CH12-12
explains the characteristics
of equilibrium systems, and
the factors that affect these
systems

Provides an elementary
explanation of an
equilibrium chemical
synthesis process and
the factors that affect
this process.
(0-3 marks)
B
A

Presents the poster
using limited scientific
language and
terminology
(2 marks)

Presents the poster
using satisfactory
scientific language and
terminology
(3 marks)

Presents the poster
using appropriate
scientific language and
terminology and is clear
and easy to understand
(4 marks)

Presents the poster
using sophisticated
scientific language and
terminology and is
clear and easy to
understand
(5 marks)

Provides a limited
explanation of an
equilibrium chemical
synthesis process and
the factors that affect
this process.
(4 marks)

Provides a satisfactory
explanation of an
equilibrium chemical
synthesis process and
the factors that affect
this process.
(5-6 marks)

Provides a detailed
explanation of an
equilibrium chemical
synthesis process and
the factors that affect
this process.
(7-8 marks)

Provides a
sophisticated
explanation of an
equilibrium chemical
synthesis process and
the factors that affect
this process.
(9-10 marks)
Appendix
Some websites to help with your research:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
C
The chemical industry
RAFT: making better polymers
Getting Rid of the Last Bits of Sulphur in Fuel
Bioenergy Australia – How is ethanol made?
How is chlorine produced?